Zoning has been a pivotal principle in Nigerian politics, designed to promote fairness and balance among various regions.
This concept gained significant traction in 1999, when political parties collectively agreed to zone their presidential candidates to the South, leading to the election of former President Olusegun Obasanjo my boss.
This strategy was not just a tactical decision but a reflection of a broader commitment to inclusivity and national unity.
The Nigerian Constitution and the Federal Character Commission (FCC) both emphasize the importance of power rotation and representation across different regions and groups.
According to them;
- Governorship positions can rotate among different zones or senatorial districts within a state.
- State cabinets and executive councils can reflect the state’s diversity, with representation from various zones, ethnic groups, or local governments.
- State civil service and parastatals can also apply federal character principles to ensure equitable representation.
Local Governments:
- Chairmanship and councilor positions can rotate among different wards or districts within a local government
- Local government cabinets and committees can reflect the diversity of the area, with representation from various wards, ethnic groups, or communities.
- Local government civil service and departments can apply federal character principles to ensure equitable representation.
It is believed that by applying these principles at the state and local government levels, Nigeria can:
- Promote grassroots inclusivity and participation
- Address local imbalances and marginalization
- Foster a sense of belonging and ownership among citizens
- Enhance accountability and representation
- Strengthen the country’s federal structure and unity
This trickle-down approach can help ensure that the benefits of power rotation and federal character are felt at all levels of government, promoting a more equitable and inclusive Nigeria.
In Imo State, zoning has similarly guided political practices.
Since the return to democratic governance in 1999, the state’s political parties have adhered to a zoning system that saw candidates from the Orlu zone taking the lead initially, producing Chief Achike Udenwa, followed by Okigwe in 2007.
This system was unfortunately disrupted in 2011 when Rochas Okorocha, through political blackmail and conspiracy deviated from the established zoning pattern, which was set to rotate to the Owerri zone after the tenure of then-Governor Ikedi Ohakim.
Despite Ohakim’s readiness to honor this rotational principle, the disruption led to a departure from the agreed-upon zoning system.
Governor Hope Odidika Uzodimma as a man who believes in fairness for his fellow man, especially umu nne ya Ndi Owerri zone, is now reinvigorating the call for equity and justice by reintroducing zoning principles.
His leadership is aimed at ensuring the Owerri zone begins the new cycle of representation, reaffirming a commitment to fair and inclusive governance.
In Mbaitoli, our esteemed leaders also believe that what is good for the goose is also good for the gander and have moved to ensure that every political bloc is duly represented, which is why we have agreed to zone the Chairmanship position to the Eastern bloc.
This decision is rooted in an equitable assessment of the political landscape:
- Mbaitoli North currently has representation through our able brother, Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie in the House of Assembly.
- Mbaitoli South holds the Deputy Governor’s office, through the person of our wonderful sister H.E. Dr Chinyere Ekomaru.
- Mbaitoli East is thus positioned to provide the next Chairman of Mbaitoli.
Despite the claims by a few that Mbaitoli South is being marginalized, historically, Mbaitoli South has enjoyed a greater number of elective and appointive positions compared to other regions.
The South has occupied our seat in the State Assembly three times, while the East has had gone there once and the North twice.
The last elected Chairman of Mbaitoli came from the same Mbaitoli South.
In terms of appointed TCs and Sole Administrators, South has again taken the lead.
Some of the positions Mbaitoli South sons have occupied aside the office of Deputy Governor of Imo State includes:
- Chief Calistus Ekenze Head of Service (Ubomiri)
- Hon Chief Eugene Onyeji.
- Late Chief O. Nwachukwu (Umunoha/Azara) elected Chairman
- Chief Dr. Pat Nnah (Ogbaku)
- Chief Barr Chris Nwabia (Umunoha/Azara)
- Late Chief Chris Nwaike (Ifekala)
- Hon Chief Stephen Odoemenem (Ubomiri)
Hon Dr Victor Ndunagu, - Hon. Canice Ugo Mba (Ogbaku)
- Chief Azubuike Nwoke (Ogbaku)
- Hon John Ekeh (Ogbaku)
- Prof Emma Duru – Commissioner (Ubomiri)
- Chief Martin Ekeh – Commissioner (Ubomiri)
- Chidiebere Nwogu OCDA
- Barr. Lady Chinelo Clerk of the House.
- HRM Eze George Ekeh, Chairman Mbaitoli Council of Traditional Rulers.
- Hon. Ugochukwu Nnawuihe, former House of Assembly member, former Commissioner.
It is worthy of note that Mbaitoli North with our five wards, which makes us the largest political bloc in Mbaitoli, have not objected to allowing our brothers and sisters in the East, be given a chance to produce the next Chairman of Mbaitoli and if we can be our brothers keepers by supporting them, I would have expected Mbaitoli South, which holds the highest position in the land, to do likewise.
Ask yourselves this question, how fair would it be if we in the North, jump into the race despite hoping the second highest position in the land?
How fair would it be for us in Mbaitoli North or South, to demand for governor of Owerri zone extraction, if we join hands to marginalize our brothers in the East because we think we can?
Here is the translation in proper Igbo language:
Ka anyị jiri ire anyị guo eze anyị ọnu. Mee ihe otuahu ị chọrọ ka onye ọzọ mee gị.
Mbaitoli South which holds the highest state position in the land, is expected to support this initiative in the interest of fairness and equity.
As a top leader in Mbaitoli, I, Barr. Kingsley Ononuju Ekwedashike, am committed to advocating for fairness and justice.
It is expedient that all political blocs work together to support the zoning initiative, ensuring balanced representation.
I also call on our brothers and sisters from Mbaitoli East to consider narrowing down the number of Chairmanship Aspirants. Already, the number of people from the East is astronomical to say the least. That I saw during the screening exercise.
A streamlined list of maybe three or four people will enable Governor Hope Uzodimma to move effectively evaluate and endorse the most suitable among the aspirants.
It is understood that many of you have bought forms but there are other ways compensations can be made if you make the noble move and step down for your brother or sister who you believe has a better chance of winning, rather than adding to his or her headache at the polls when you know you would have done better.
That way, he or she can extend the Olive branch of friendship and cooperation to you at the end of the day.
My dear brothers and sisters, umu nne’m nde Mbaitoli nile, it is with a great sense of duty, that I, Barr. Kingsley Ononuju Ekwedashike, write to you.
By embracing the principles of zoning and equity, we not only fosters fairness, but also strengthens our democratic process.
By supporting a rotational leadership system, we uphold the values of inclusivity and balance, ensuring that every part of Mbaitoli has an opportunity to contribute to the development of our local government.
Let us come together to support this initiative, ensuring a just and representative governance structure for all.
Barr. Kingsley Ononuju
(Ekwedashike)